COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS
SECTOR:
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY SECTOR
QUALIFICATION:
ANIMAL PRODUCTION NC II (Poultry Chicken)
UNIT OF COMEPETENCY:
TRIM BEAK
MODULE TITLE: 12.2
Trimming of beak
PREPARED BY: MRS. ROSALINDA R. VERANO
MASBATE POLYTECHNIC DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE INC.
Baleno, Masbate
MODULE CONTENT
UNIT OF COMPETENCY : TRIM BEAK
MODULE TITLE : TRIMMING THE BEAK
MODULE DESCRIPTOR:
This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to
debeak and re-debeak birds. It includes functions such carry- out preparatory
activities, debeak birds, re-debeak birds and carry-out work to completion.
NOMINAL DURATION: 20 Hours
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module you MUST be able to:
1. Carry out preparatory activities
2. Trim beak
3. Retrim beak
4. Carry out to completion
CONTENTS:
1. Debeaking procedure
2. Proper restraining of birds according to Animal Welfare Act and Good
Agricultural Practices Husbandry Practices (GAHP)
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
• Beak are trimmed in appropriate age following standard industry
procedure
• Birds are restrained with net to facilitate calm capture
• Debeak conditioned birds following Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
• Task is performed observing Safety practices and following Good Animal
Husbandry Practices (GAHP)
• Safety measures in line following Safety and Health Standard
CONDITIONS:
The participants will access to:
▪ Prepare tools, materials and equipment for the operation according
to work requirements
▪ Select conditioned birds following the Agricultural Good Practices
▪ Apply safety measures in line with Animal Welfare Act.
ASSESSMENT METHOD:
● Written Examination
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 2 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01
● Demonstration with Oral questioning
● Interview
Terms to know
1. Debeaking – the process of trimming the portion of the beak of the birds.
2. Pullets- a hen of the domestic chicken less than a year old.
3. Chicks -a newly hatch birds
4. Biosecurity-a measures taken from exposure to harmful to ensure
security.
5. Cannibalism – is the bad habit of the birds like eating of the flesh of the
birds.
6. Down – is the first hairy covering of the chicks.
7. Re-debeaking- refers to retrim the portion of the beak of the chicks
8. TLC – tender love and care
9. Selection - the process of selecting good quality chicks
a. Culling – the process of removing undesirable chicks from the flock.
10. Flock – refers to the group of the birds
11. Disease – refers to any abnormalities in the normal functioning of the body
of the birds.
12. Parasites – are those organisms that depends from another organism.
13. Sanitation – refers to the cleanliness and orderliness in poultry
INFORMATION SHEET 2.2-3
Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP)
Learning Objective
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Identify general principles and good practices for chick management,
transportation of chicken, egg management and record-keeping; and
2. Explain minimum requirements for good animal practices and welfare act
Chick/Chicken Health Management
Taking care of the chicks is one of the most critical phase in poultry
production. The future production mostly depends on the next generations of
chicken (which is the chicks) and without proper and good practices in managing
the chicks it can cause a big loss in the farm. Knowing the good practices and
minimum requirements will provide greater confidence not only to the farm but
also to the consumers’ expectations that the final products are safe and fit for
human consumption.
In this information sheet, you will know some of the good practices and
minimum requirements with regards to chick health management,
transportation of the chicken, egg management and record-keeping.
Introduction of new stock
● Acquire chickens only from
sources with known good
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 3 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01
health status,
certified by a
qualified
veterinarian and/or
competent
authority.
● Keep newly arrived
chickens separate from
resident stock for an
appropriate period, to
prevent possible disease transmission.
● Each batch of chickens purchased or hatched should have batch
identification for traceability purpose.
Surveillance and control of diseases
● There should be a written chicken health program in place, including a
vaccination and deworming program, if required, that is updated
regularly and supervised by a licensed veterinarian, in accordance with
the requirements of the competent authorities.
● The vaccination program should be adopted against the disease as
required by competent authorities and it should be in a written form.
Only vaccines approved by a competent authority in the country should
be used.
● The status of chicks and chicken should be monitored and recorded
regularly, and veterinary assessment of the establishment should be
carried out annually by a licensed veterinarian and/or by a competent
authority.
● Separate diseased from healthy chicks such that transmission of
infection does not occur, and where necessary, cull
disease chicks and chicken humanely.
● Identified isolation area/pen for “suspected
diseased birds” should be provided.
● The use of drugs, medicines, vaccines, and
medicated feeds for disease control should be in
accordance with the instructions of a licensed
veterinarian following country regulations.
● Drugs or medicines should only be used for prophylactic and treatment
reasons.
● Keep all treated chicks and chickens on the farm and ensure that their
products are not used for human consumption until the drug
withdrawal period is completed and certified fit for human consumption
by licensed veterinarian.
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 4 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01
Bio-security measures
● The farm should have a written protocol of bio-security measures.
Proper warning signage should be provided.
● Bio-security procedures should be implemented to prevent introduction
of disease into farm/or to control its spread within the farm.
o For chickens that are in coops/poultry houses/buildings, the cages
should be netted to prevent entry of migratory birds. In the cases of
free-range chicken, control measures that include putting them in
cages while there are cases of avian influenza outbreak to prevent
them to commingling with migratory species.
● The implementation of bio-security measures should be continuously
monitored to assess the effectiveness of the program.
● The farm should have appropriate and functional lay-out and
infrastructure to ensure effective implementation of the bio-security
measures. This include facilities:
o For changing, washing and shower; and
o For disinfection at entry/exit point of the farm and the buildings.
Animal Welfare
● Care shall be taken to preserve the welfare of
chicks and chickens. In case of injury,
sickness or deformity, they shall be
appropriately treated to avoid suffering.
● All chicks should have access to and are
sufficiently provided with feed, water and
space.
● The farm operators and personnel should not cause cruelty to chicks
and chickens, which includes but is not limited to:
o Maltreatment of birds under his/her care and attention
o Neglect of birds, such that it experiences pain, suffering or distress
o Failure to provide adequate resources to maintain the live weight of
the bird within the normal physiological range for the species type,
age and sex
o Removal of any part of the anatomy without adequate anesthesia,
whenever applicable
o Putting to sleep (Euthanasia, e.g. cervical dislocation), confine,
handle or transport any chicken in a manner causing deliberate
pain, suffering or distress
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 5 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01
o Keeping birds alive, especially that which is pronounced physically
or physiologically incapacitated, unless it is under the direct care of
licensed and registered veterinarian
● The farm operator and personnel should not
neglect birds according to the following
criteria:
o Freedom from hunger and thirst and
malnutrition. Feed withdrawal of birds
should not be more than eight (8) hours
before slaughter.
o Freedom from physical discomfort and pain.
o Freedom from injury and disease.
o With due consideration of the difference in the production system
(confined and free-range), birds should be given enough freedom to
conform to essential behavior patterns; and
o Freedom from fear and distress.
Self-Check 1.3-2
I. TRUE OR FALSE. Write T if the statement is correct and F if the
statement
is wrong.
1. Tools and equipment with minor damages must be repaired immediately.
2. Segregate unserviceable tools and equipment that are beyond repair and
store them.
3. Supplies and equipment must be separately stored.
4. A regular inspection of machines, tools and equipment is a must in poultry
production.
5. Sanitize and disinfect work areas as need arises.
Answer Key 1.3-2
1. T
2. F
3. T
4. T
5. T
When a problem arises, be it a disease, chemical hazard issue or a physical
safety matter, record-keeping is central to any effort to trace the source of the
problem and eliminate it. The OIE Guide to Good Farming Practices for Animal
Production recommends the ability to trace animals at least one step forward
and at least one step backward from the current holding.
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 6 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01
Hence, as far as is practicable, farmers should keep records of:
o Handling and restraining of chicks/chicken should always be
handled and restrained in
such a way to protect them
from fear, stress, pain and
injury.
o Appropriate equipment and
tools should be provided
and used in handling or
restraining the
chicks/chicken.
o Appropriate tools should be
used for the purpose of
effective chicken management and the operators should acquire the
skills and techniques to use the tools.
o Tools should be used in a manner that minimize stress and does not
injure the chickens.
o Tools should be functional for efficient application in the
chicks/chicken by the operators.
o Sick, injured or disabled chicks/chicken should be separated from
healthy chicks/chicken and should be given the necessary
veterinary attention.
o Proper techniques should be applied to handle and restrain
chickens
Transportation and Storage
● The transport of chicks/chicken from point of origin to final destination
should follow a planned route and be in a manner that does not cause
stress throughout the journey and does not predispose them to injury
and disease.
● Transport should follow the regulations of the competent authority.
● Appropriate space
allowance and
ventilation should be used to
transport chicks and
chicken.
● Only clean and
disinfected vehicles should
be used to transport
chicks/chickens.
● Vehicles used to
transport should be
exclusively used for chicks/chicken only.
● Vehicles used for the transport of animals should be according to the
following specifications:
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 7 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01
o Allow easy loading and unloading;
o Has communication equipment and first aid kit;
o Ensure safety of the chicks/chicken and personal during transport;
o Cleaned and sanitized;
o Equipped with floors that provide secure footing;
o Have proper provision for collecting manure; and
o Have a decal/label “live animal on board” at the sides and
front/back.
● Transportation should be carried out at the coldest time of the day in
order to avoid heat stress to chicks/chicken.
● The transport of chicks/chickens from point of origin to final destination
should be through the most direct and appropriate route that should be
completed without unnecessary delay.
● The transporter should be fully responsible for the care and welfare of
the chicks/chicken as well as ensure the cleanliness of the vehicle
during the entire process of transporting. Disposal of waste should be
done in an environment friendly manner.
● Day old chicks should be packed in appropriate packaging or restraining
containers as required by the country regulations.
● Where appropriate, chickens should be segregated according to species,
size, sex and age or according to customer requirements.
● Chicks/chickens being transported
should be in a good state of health.
● A transport or movement permit should
be obtained prior to shipping chickens
as required by the country regulations
with animal health certificate signed by
a licensed veterinarian.
Record-keeping
● When a problem arises, be it a disease, chemical hazard issue or a
physical safety matter, record-keeping is central to any effort to trace
the source of the problem and eliminate it. The OIE Guide to Good
Farming Practices for Animal Production recommends the ability to
trace animals at least one step forward and at least one step backward
from the current holding.
Hence, as far as is practicable, farmers should keep records of:
o Birds identification;
o Animal source, especially import birds;
o Feeds
o Animal health (Treatment and Vaccination);
o Animal movement;
o Laboratory;
o Sanitation and Hygiene;
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 8 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01
o Pest control;
o Personnel Health and Training;
o Waste management;
o Production;
o Procurement;
o Storage;
o Visitor;
o Transportation;
o Traceability.
● Records should be kept for a
minimum of 3 years or a time
specified by Government
directives.
● Keeping records is important
for future use
● It serves as our bible to know if
we are gaining or losing.
Date Developed: Document No.
August 24,2020 Issued by:
Animal Production NC Date Revised:
II (Poultry Chicken) Page 9 of 48
TESDA-MPDCI
Trim Beak Developed by:
ROSALINDA R. VERANO
Revision # 01